© 2025 AKSHAT TRIPATHIBeyond the ordinary world, hidden among the clouds, lay an island country unknown to the external world—Vaeloria. This was no ordinary place; it had been the cradle of Mystical Energy since the dawn of time. The presence of this ancient force shaped Vaeloria into an extraordinary land, where the very air pulsated with energy, altering the laws of nature.Its ecosystem was unlike any other, and the people who lived there were no exception. The dense Mystical Energy enhanced their physical abilities, granting them strength, resilience, and accelerated healing far beyond that of the outside world. But this was just the beginning. Over time, they discovered how to harness this energy, crafting Mystical Objects—rings, gloves, necklaces, and other items that could store and channel finite amounts of energy from their surroundings.These objects, however, were rare and powerful. Forged from purple gemstones found only in sacred and limited locations, they became symbols of power and utility, creating a natural divide in Vaelorian society.The people were split into two classes:
The Fighter Class, wielders of Mystical Objects, were tasked with jobs requiring immense strength and, most importantly, the defense of the nation. The Normal Class, those without such artifacts, were the backbone of the country, managing trade, crafts, and the essential functions of daily life.
For centuries, this balance endured, but an ever-present threat loomed on the horizon—the Black Fangs of Ashvalis. Hailing from the barren, desolate island of Ashvalis, this cannibalistic tribe was ferocious and inhumanly strong. Unlike the Vaelorians, the Black Fangs needed no Mystical Objects to harness energy; they were born with a finite reserve of it embedded in their very DNA. This innate power made them relentless predators, their strength and savagery unparalleled. Clad in shadowy black, they were a force of nature, feared for their brutal raids and insatiable hunger.The Black Fangs were more than an enemy; they were a living nightmare—a constant reminder that even Vaeloria, with all its mystical might, was not invincible. The country's only hope lay in the Fighter Class, a group that was divided into distinct divisions based on strength and duty.At the bottom of the hierarchy were the Unranked Officers. These individuals, lacking both talent and strong Mystical Objects, were given the most menial tasks, such as transporting goods and performing labor-intensive work. They were often seen as pseudo-servants of the Fighter Class, their presence overlooked but still essential to the daily functioning of Vaeloria.Above them were the Third-Grade Officers, the most active division during peaceful times. These officers were not as powerful as those higher in the ranks, but they were the first to respond to minor threats or disturbances, ensuring that the country remained safe in times of calm.The Second-Grade Officers were made up of individuals wielding stronger Mystical Objects. These officers were the backbone of Vaeloria's defense against the Black Fangs, called upon whenever the tribe launched an attack. Their skills and objects were powerful, but they were not the nation's ultimate line of defense.At the pinnacle of the Fighter Class were the First-Grade Officers. These individuals possessed immense strength and carried the most potent Mystical Objects, making them the most formidable fighters in Vaeloria. They were suspended from active duty, only called upon in times of great war, when the very survival of the nation was at stake.The country itself was divided into four sections, each overseen by a Sectional Head. These sectional heads, along with the Assistant Commander and the Commander, formed the central command structure. The Commander, the strongest living man in all of Vaeloria, was the ultimate authority. His Mystical Object, the Ring of Commander, was a sparkling red artifact of unmatched power, and it was said to be the strongest object ever forged.But as it is often said, even the strongest must bow to the richest. The royal family of Vaeloria, the Aurelians, with a diamond as their family crest, were not just symbolic rulers. They held the true power, managing the nation's wealth and controlling the resources that flowed through the kingdom. They were the ones who provided the Fighter Class with the funding needed to defend Vaeloria, and in doing so, they held the nation's fate in their hands.The Fighter Class, revered for their strength and mystical abilities, were, in truth, little more than the bodyguards of the Aurelians. Their might was unquestionable, but their loyalty was bought with the riches of the royal family. The real power lay with the Aurelians, who controlled not only the wealth but also the political influence that kept Vaeloria functioning, for even the strongest warriors could not stand without resources.There was one rule common to all: no misuse of power to harm the outside world.Present time.On a tranquil evening in a peaceful country, a strange boat appeared at the seaport, its arrival drawing little attention at first. The boat was crewed by three men, their faces hidden beneath the hoods of large, flowing coats. As they stepped onto the land, their eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar environment.One of them broke the silence, his voice low yet confident. "The country's still under monarchy. This will be a piece of cake."A nearby patrolling soldier, noticing their unusual appearance, grew suspicious. He approached cautiously, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Identify yourselves."Without warning, the tallest man among the three moved with lightning speed. He barely touched the soldier, but the force sent the officer flying, crashing through a nearby wall. The sound of the impact echoed, and dust billowed into the air."No misuse of energy, dumbass!" the shortest of the three shouted, his voice sharp. "We can't refill it here!"In a flash, all three men leaped into the air, vanishing from sight before anyone could react.In a quiet, modest house on a normal street, a soldier stood in the dim light of the bathroom, steam rising from the warm water of the bath he had just finished. The sounds of water dripping and soft echoes filled the space as he dried himself off, preparing for another day of duty. His routine was simple, unremarkable—until he reached for his uniform.Before putting it on, he paused. His fingers brushed the heart-shaped locket resting against his chest. He glanced at it for a moment, his eyes hardening, as if the locket held something far darker than its innocent appearance suggested. The weight of it seemed to press on his chest, its presence more unsettling than comforting. With a slow, deliberate motion, he tucked it under his shirt, as if shielding the secret it contained from the world.He reached the castle and reported to his senior, expecting the usual patrolling orders. But today, something was different. The officer's face was tense, his gaze hard."The murder," the officer began, voice low, "wasn't like anything we've dealt with before. One of our own was killed, and while the body wasn't beyond recognition, the force behind the attack was overwhelming. We don't know exactly what happened, but it looks like he was struck with immense power. A brutal blow, that's all we can tell for now."The general entered, and the room grew heavier. "No details, no understanding of who did it or how they moved. Some mysterious men did this. We don't have answers, but we have a warning. From now on, stay cautious. Patrols will be stricter. Keep your eyes open, and don't let your guard down."The general left, and the soldier was left standing in the tense silence. The thought of the attack—the violence of it, the secrecy of the attackers—gnawed at him. Something didn't sit right.His mind raced with questions—who were these men? What did they want? Why did they attack so viciously?Suddenly, a voice came from behind, breaking his thoughts. "Takashi sir."The soldier turned quickly, his attention snapping back to reality. It was one of the junior officers, looking nervous but determined. The junior officer continued, "Today, I am assigned duty alongside you. I've always wanted to work with you. By the way, my name is John."Takashi replied with a small smile, "Good to know, John. Better get to duty then."With that, they both left the room, heading out for their patrolling duties, the weight of the day's events still hanging in the air.Somewhere on an empty street in a broken house, the three men—Luke, Tomen, and Kuzaku—sat and discussed their next move. Luke spoke first, his voice calm but filled with strategy. "Directly attacking the castle would be risky. They may be weaker than us, but the difference in numbers is huge. We'll proceed with the plan in steps."Tomen, ever confident, replied, "Don't worry, I have some men here."He shouted, "Come in!"Three men entered and kneeled before the group. Tomen continued, "These two are from here and know this place well, while this one is one of the unranked officers. They will set our plan into motion and keep us informed of everything going on outside."Luke smiled and nodded. "Very well."With that, the three men left, their mission clear.As the golden hues of the setting sun reflected on the gentle waves, Takashi and John patrolled the seaport. The sky was painted in warm shades of orange and purple, with the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the cobblestone path.Takashi stood near the edge of the dock, his sharp eyes fixed on the horizon where the sea met the sky. His mind churned with unanswered questions, his posture tense yet composed. John, walking beside him, broke the silence. "You're thinking about where they came from, aren't you, sir?" Takashi glanced at him briefly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Wherever they came from," he said, his voice steady, "they have to leave this kingdom."John nodded but couldn't suppress his curiosity. "Do you think they're still here, sir? Or did they already slip away?" Takashi let out a thoughtful hum, his gaze returning to the shimmering water. "If they've stayed, they're planning something. If they've left, they'll return. Either way, this isn't over."The evening air carried the salty scent of the ocean and the faint murmur of distant conversations from fishermen packing up their gear. Takashi's hand briefly touched the locket beneath his uniform, a fleeting motion that went unnoticed by John. Suddenly, a woman came running toward them, her face pale with fear. "Please, officer, help!" she shouted, her voice trembling. "Three people are over there… they even killed a patrolling officer! Please hurry!"Takashi and John immediately sprang into action, following the frantic woman as she led them through the winding paths of the seaport. The vibrant evening colors now seemed darker, the weight of the situation overshadowing the beauty of the setting sun.As they rounded a corner, they saw three men standing near a pile of goods. The men looked up, their faces impassive but their stances guarded.John leaned closer to Takashi, lowering his voice to a whisper. "They're the three, right?"Takashi's eyes narrowed as he studied the men, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. After a moment of tense silence, he replied firmly, "No."Without hesitation, Takashi drew his sword, its blade gleaming in the fading sunlight. The air grew heavy, the tension between them crackling like a storm about to break.The three men exchanged a glance, their expressions hardening. Without hesitation, they rushed at Takashi and John, their movements clumsy yet aggressive.John was the first to react, drawing his sword in a fluid motion. One of the attackers swung a heavy wooden staff at him, but John managed to parry the blow, albeit with some effort. His counterattack was slightly off balance, but it was enough to make the attacker stagger back.Takashi faced the other two. His grip on the sword was firm, though his movements lacked the fluidity of a seasoned fighter. One of the attackers lunged with a dagger, and Takashi barely managed to sidestep, the blade grazing his sleeve. He retaliated with a wide swing, forcing the attacker to retreat.The second man came at Takashi with brute strength, aiming to tackle him. Takashi braced himself, awkwardly stepping aside and shoving the man with the flat of his blade. The attacker stumbled but recovered quickly, charging again. Takashi gritted his teeth and swung his sword downward, striking the man's shoulder and sending him to the ground with a pained grunt.Meanwhile, John had gained the upper hand in his duel. With a sharp thrust, he disarmed his opponent and held his sword pointed at the man's chest. "Stay down," he ordered, his voice firm despite the sweat beading on his forehead.Takashi turned to the last attacker, who hesitated upon seeing his comrades defeated. Summoning his resolve, Takashi advanced with a feint, then delivered a swift kick to the man's shin, knocking him off balance. Before the attacker could recover, Takashi pressed the tip of his sword against his throat. "It's over," he said, breathing heavily but steady.The three men groaned in defeat, lying sprawled on the ground. Takashi exhaled, lowering his blade, and exchanged a look with John."Not bad, sir," John said with a grin. "I'd say you handled yourself pretty well."Takashi gave a faint smile, wiping his forehead with his sleeve."They were just simple goons, not them," Takashi said, his voice low but firm. He sheathed his sword, his mind already racing with thoughts of the bigger threat.The lady, still shaken, thanked the officers profusely, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Thank you so much! You saved us!"John gave her a reassuring smile. "It was our duty, ma'am," he said, his voice calm despite the adrenaline still coursing through him.But as the woman hurried off, the weight of the situation settled in. The danger wasn't over. Takashi's eyes scanned the surroundings, his senses alert.Just then, a guard came running toward them, panting heavily. He looked disheveled, his armor clanking as he approached."Sir!" the guard gasped, struggling to catch his breath. "Attack on the Barracks! Every patrolling officer in this area is called immediately." Takashi and John sprinted toward the barracks, the urgency of the situation pressing down on them. Takashi's voice was sharp, tinged with a sense of certainty. "John, this time, it's them."John remained silent, his expression serious as he focused on the path ahead. The sound of chaos grew louder with each step, the clash of swords, the crackle of fire, and the distant explosions that echoed through the streets.When they finally reached the barracks, the scene before them was a whirlwind of violence. The air was thick with smoke, and the ground was littered with broken weapons and fallen soldiers. A group of men fought fiercely, their faces twisted in grim determination. Takashi and John immediately sprang into action, scanning for any threats.One of the officers, covered in blood, staggered toward them, his sword dripping with red. He spoke in a strained voice, his eyes wide with exhaustion. "Some men attacked the jail nearby and freed these scums. Now they're fighting for them. I think we'll need backup from the castle."Takashi's jaw tightened as he took in the officer's words. The situation was worse than they had imagined. "We'll hold the line for now," Takashi said, his gaze steely. "But get the word to the castle. We need reinforcements, and we need them fast." he said sharply, his tone cold and unyielding. His sword was already in hand, the steel glinting in the flickering light of the fire.John matched his pace, his grip tightening around his weapon as they broke into a sprint. The heat grew oppressive as they neared the burning barracks, the acrid smoke stinging their lungs.Cries of battle and the clang of steel filled the air. Shadows of savage criminals moved erratically within the blaze, their attacks brutal and unrestrained.Takashi's gaze hardened. No more words were exchanged. They ran forward, swords raised, ready to fight.From a distant rooftop, the three people sent by Tomen watched intently. The unranked officer spoke, "Soon reinforcements will arrive, and this all will be over. Those scums did well for my expectations. Our work here is done. You two leave; I will join after getting a closer look."The other two nodded silently and leaped away, moving swiftly across the rooftops until they vanished into the distance. The unranked officer stayed behind for a moment, observing the scene below. Then, without hesitation, he jumped down and made his way toward the barracks.Meanwhile, inside the barracks, chaos reigned. The clang of steel against steel, the cries of soldiers, and the heavy thud of bodies hitting the ground filled the air. Amidst the frantic battle, a senior officer, his armor stained with blood, bellowed, "The first unit of reinforcements is already here! Everyone, move forward and throw these scums back into their cells!"Takashi and John, already winded and battered from the fight, pushed through the exhaustion, still swinging their weapons. Their bodies ached, but they fought with relentless resolve. The arrival of reinforcements shifted the momentum, and soon, the criminals, who had been holding their ground with surprising ferocity, were overpowered. One by one, they were brought to their knees.Through the thick smoke, the unranked officer remained hidden in the shadows, watching the scene unfold with cold detachment. The smoke swirled around him, the sounds of clashing swords and the shouts of soldiers muffling everything else. As he turned to slip away, a fleeting, familiar figure caught his eye through the haze. His heart skipped a beat. Hastily, he looked back, but the smoke thickened even more, swallowing the figure whole. More soldiers arrived, their armor clinking as they flooded the area, and the officer knew it was time to leave. Without another glance, he melted into the shadows, disappearing into the night.Takashi and John sat down, both of them catching their breath after the brutal battle. John, still wide-eyed from the chaos, broke the silence. "That was a hell of a fight. It was my first time, but I'm alive just because of you. Thank you, sir."Takashi gave him a light pat on the back, a rare smile crossing his face. "You did well. I'm no expert myself. Just be glad we're still alive." They shared a brief laugh, but the moment quickly passed. Takashi's expression grew serious. Deep down, he knew this wasn't over. The cold night breeze carried an unsettling feeling, as if something darker loomed just out of reach.The group of soldiers, worn and exhausted, slowly settled down. Among them was an older senior officer, his face etched with age and experience. "Well done, everyone. All the criminals still alive have been sent to the jail in the capital. Takashi, David, and their men will now report to the nearest base and pass on all the information to the castle. We'll decide on the next course of action."Takashi, John, and David, along with their remaining men, made their way to the base, only to find it eerily empty. The silence that greeted them was unsettling, and the flickering lights cast long shadows across the room. David broke the silence, his voice low but firm. "I'll check the upper floor. You search here."As Takashi and John searched the ground floor, a sudden, agonizing scream echoed from upstairs. The sound of David's painful shouting cut through the tense silence, sending a surge of adrenaline through Takashi. Without a word, they both rushed up the stairs, weapons drawn.What they found at the top of the stairs froze them in their tracks. David's men lay scattered across the floor, lifeless, their bodies showing signs of brutal struggle. Blood pooled around them, a grim testament to the violence that had unfolded. At the center of the room, David was crumpled on the floor, barely clinging to life, his breaths shallow and ragged. His eyes flickered as he fought to stay conscious, but it was clear he was on the brink of death.Two men stood in the center of the carnage—Tomen's men. They were calm, almost eerily so, their faces hidden beneath dark hoods, their stances unhurried as if they'd already won. Takashi and John tensed, their fingers tightening around their weapons. The air in the room seemed to grow colder, the weight of the situation sinking in. The third man, standing outside the window and facing outward, yelled, "Get it over with quickly and burn the place, we have to leave."The urgency in his voice hit Takashi like a slap, and a faint, acrid smell began to fill the room. His instincts told him they weren't just threatening—they were serious. The room seemed to grow hotter with the realization that they were about to set the building on fire.Before Takashi could make a move, one of the two men standing in the room leaped toward John. The speed of the attack was overwhelming. The man's knife gleamed in the dim light, poised to impale John's body with a single, lethal blow. John was still frozen in shock, unable to process the situation fast enough to react.But in an instant, Takashi moved. He intercepted the blow, the knife sinking deep into his shoulder rather than John. The pain was sharp, but Takashi gritted his teeth and absorbed it, his eyes locking onto the attacker. The man quickly pulled back, eyes narrowing as he prepared for another strike.John, shaken out of his stupor, snapped back to reality. He realized what had just happened—Takashi had taken the blow for him. His heart raced, and fury surged through him as he saw the blood staining Takashi's shoulder.John felt a surge of guilt as he looked at Takashi's bloodied shoulder, knowing the injury was his fault. But he also understood this wasn't the time for apologies—it was time to fight. Tightening his grip on his weapon, he met Takashi's determined gaze.Without hesitation, they both leaped into action, charging toward the two men. The clash was immediate, intense, and far from ordinary. These weren't escaped criminals or local thugs; their movements were calculated, swift, and precise. Every strike they made seemed to anticipate Takashi and John's actions.Within moments, the tide turned against them. The two men's overwhelming skill was undeniable. Takashi, already weakened from his injury, was disarmed and knocked to the ground with brutal efficiency. John, despite his best efforts, fared no better. A crushing blow sent him crashing into the wall, the air forced from his lungs.Both of them lay on the floor, dazed and defenseless, as their enemies loomed over them, calm and unscathed.Moments later, a group of soldiers arrived at the base, their boots echoing ominously through the empty halls. The acrid smell of smoke lingered in the air, adding to the tension as they ascended the stairs to the upper floor.When they entered the room, the sight before them was grim—a scene of devastation and death. Bodies were strewn across the floor, including the lifeless forms of the two men who had attacked Takashi and John. Their blood-soaked clothes and rigid expressions hinted at a struggle, but their cause of death was unclear.Amid the carnage, the soldiers spotted Takashi and John. They were slumped against the wall, bloodied and battered but alive. The faint rise and fall of their chests was the only indication of life. One soldier knelt beside Takashi, checking his pulse. "They're alive!" he shouted, relief evident in his voice.The other soldiers quickly moved to secure the area and tend to the unconscious pair, while questions loomed in everyone's minds. What had happened here? And who or what had taken down even the attackers?Meanwhile, in the same empty street, within the same broken house, Luke, Tomen, and Kuzaku sat in deep discussion. The atmosphere was tense, their voices low as they debated their next move.Suddenly, the door burst open with a thunderous crash. The unranked officer staggered in, panting heavily, his face pale and drenched in sweat. His disheveled state caught all three of them off guard.Luke immediately stood, his piercing gaze fixed on the officer. "What happened? Why are you like this?" he demanded, his tone sharp.The officer struggled to catch his breath, his chest heaving. "I… saw him…" he managed to choke out, his voice trembling.Tomen narrowed his eyes. "Who?"The officer finally straightened, his eyes wide with fear as he uttered the words that sent a chill through the room. "He is here… THE ASSASSIN OF VAELORIA!"A heavy silence fell over the group, the weight of the revelation sinking in. Luke's expression darkened, while Tomen and Kuzaku exchanged uneasy glances.TO BE CONTINUED.